5 best Prime Video documentaries to watch right now
As streaming platforms continue to burgeon, Prime Video has etched its name among the vanguards of documentary filmmaking, offering a plethora of films that entertain, educate, and evoke. From historical deep dives to contemporary cultural explorations, here are the five best documentaries currently on Prime Video that demand your attention.
1.”The Dissident” (2020)
This gripping documentary is directed by Academy Award winner Bryan Fogel and delves into the bone-chilling assassination of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and Washington Post columnist. The film unpacks layers of intrigue, political complication, and human rights abuses while shining a light on the power of global activism.
2.”All In: The Fight for Democracy” (2020)
This timely film explores the history and current activism against voter suppression — a resonant issue in contemporary American politics. “All In” features insights from Stacey Abrams, the former Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives, who emerged as a key figure fighting for fair voting practices.
3.”Time” (2020)
Garrett Bradley’s masterpiece combines home-video footage with scenes from the present to tell the story of Sibil Richardson’s fight for her husband’s release from prison. This emotional whirlwind challenges viewers’ perceptions about incarceration and illustrates a personal battle against systemic injustice.
4.“The Spy Who Fell to Earth” (2019)
Based on Dr. Ahron Bregman’s book, this documentary unravels the mysterious life and death of Ashraf Marwan, an Egyptian billionaire and alleged Israeli spy. The film takes you on a thrilling journey through espionage landscapes during some of the most turbulent times in Middle Eastern history.
5.“Lorena” (2019)
Directed by acclaimed documentarian Joshua Rofé, “Lorena” re-evaluates the media circus around Lorena Bobbitt’s 1993 case when she cut off her husband’s penis after suffering years of abuse. This four-part docuseries examines how public perception skewed the serious issues at hand, such as domestic violence and sexual assault.
Each documentary on this list offers more than just a viewing experience—they are societal explorations that have the potential to alter perspectives and provoke dialogue about critical issues of our time. Grab your popcorn—and perhaps a notepad for all the ideas they’ll inspire—and immerse yourself in these poignant stories that are just a click away on Prime Video.